Terminology

Expanded Metal Terminology 101

Midwest produces Expanded Metal in a variety of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized, carbon steel, copper, brass and titanium. Our expanded metals are often used as Safety Grating, Chimney Cpas, Wire Mesh, guards, fixtures, filters and more. They are also referred to as Expanded Metal Coils.

SWD – Short way of diamondLWD – Long way of diamondSWO – Short way of openingLWO – Long way of opening

Flat – Expanded metal that is cold-rolled after expansion, to provide a smooth, flat and level sheet; thus the term Flattened Metal. Â The flattening process will reduce the original thickness by approximately 10%.